More women trouble for Newell

Thursday 28 December 2006 23:07 BST

Birmingham City's marketing department have unwittingly set up Luton Town boss Mike Newell, after promoting tonight's game against the Hatters as "Ladies' Night".

The St Andrew's club, who offered a £5 entrance fee to women as part of a series of cut-price seasonal packages, had earmarked the game for this special deal before Newell landed himself in hot water over his comments about female officials.

Newell has yet to face a disciplinary hearing at the Football Association following his outburst against Amy Rayner, who was an assistant referee during Luton's game against QPR earlier this season.

He has been charged with improper conduct and also failing to act in the best interests of the game after his emotional outpouring following the game at Kenilworth Road.

The former Birmingham striker was incensed that Rayner and referee Andy D'Urso failed to award his side a spot-kick when QPR defender Marcus Bignot tangled with Carlos Edwards in the penalty box.

Controversy erupted after the final whistle when he said: "It is tokenism - for the politically-correct idiots," said Newell.

"We have a problem in this country with political correctness and bringing women into the game is not the way to improve refereeing and officialdom.

"It is absolutely beyond belief. When do we reach a stage when all officials are women because then we are in trouble?

"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems."

The Football Association are due to meet with Newell in the New Year to discuss the charges against him.

Birmingham had advertised the game as discounted before the row kicked-off and, once they had started selling tickets, were powerless to stop the promotion going ahead as they were forced to stand by their original promise.